Speaking at the CLA Breakfast which opened the Royal Cornwall Show, CLA Deputy President Ross Murray addressed comments made by the Farming Minister last month on solar energy generation. George Eustice is reported to have said that solar panels are “trashing the countryside in Cornwall” at the Devon County Show last month.

Mr Murray said: “Landowners are investing in renewable energy because they have been encouraged to do so by local and national Government policy, whether it is solar, geo thermal or even wind power. In order to make these investments they must have confidence that policies are clear, consistent and long term.

“It is wholly wrong for politicians, like the Farming Minister, to play politics with this issue such as in recent statements on solar power. It is unacceptable for on the one hand Government policy to promote investment in solar power and at the same time Ministers to talk about stopping solar panels because they are trashing the countryside. We need a policy that gives businesses the ability to make plans.”

Mr Murray also set out a number of challenges that local and national political leaders have to meet in order to support rural business in Cornwall:

“Businesses in Cornwall are a shining example of what modern land based businesses can achieve through innovation and diversification. Providing over 237,000 jobs, more than 9000 apprenticeships and making a total contribution of over £9 billion to the national economy. You have achieved this whilst overcoming significant obstacles such as inadequate road and rail infrastructure, woefully inadequate levels of mobile phone coverage and superfast broadband connections. Now is the time for leaders locally and nationally to put an end to the disadvantages you face and see what more you can achieve without one hand tied behind your back.”